How to enable (or disable) Windows updates

WARNING: Disabling Windows Updates makes your computer unsafe and more likely to be hacked.  This could void your guarantee if you have a “We fix your computer for free if you get hacked agreement.”  Only do this if instructed by your IT firm.

Windows 8 and Windows 8.1

To turn on (or off) Automatic Updates yourself, follow these steps:

1. Open Windows Update by swiping in from the right edge of the screen (or, if you’re using a mouse, by pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen and moving the mouse pointer up), then tapping or clicking Settings, tapping or clicking Change PC settings, and then tapping or clicking Update and recovery.
2. Tap or click Choose how updates get installed.
3. Under Important updates, select the option that you want.
4. Under Recommended updates, select the Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates check box, and then click Apply.

Windows Vista and Windows 7

To turn on (or off) Automatic Updates yourself, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, type Windows update in the search box, and then click Windows Update in the Programs list.
2. In the left pane, click Change settings.
3. Select the option that you want.
4. Under Recommended updates, select the Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates or Include recommended updates when downloading, installing, or notifying me about updates check box, and then click OK.